After spending weeks whittling planned expenses, the Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board has approved an $84.5 million annual budget.

Income from property taxes, grants and other sources should total $85.2 million during the new fiscal year, which began July 1.

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The budget cuts totaled about $1.5 million and were made in a variety of categories, including supplies, staffing and maintenance. The reductions won't affect programs or services, officials insisted.

The changes were made as part of the regular budget review process, officials said. But they also followed repeated complaints from a small group of residents who were upset about rising tax bills and have pressured officials to slash costs.

Those residents spoke out again Monday before the board approved the budget at Vernon Hills High School.

"Please remember you are the voice of the taxpayer," Libertyville resident Gerry Verbeten said. "I don't want to be taxed out of my house."

Verbeten has been particularly incensed by the district's savings surplus, which is estimated at $125 million.

"I want to know why? How did it come about?" he said. "It's the taxpayers' money."

Officials have explained to Verbeten and other concerned residents that the district keeps a hefty savings to pay for building improvements, emergencies and other purchases. It's a standard financial tactic for school districts and other local-government agencies.

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